3 Takeaways From the Blues’ OT Loss vs Sharks in Home Opener

The St. Louis Blues played their first home game of the season on Thursday night. Unfortunately, the team couldn’t send their fans home happy, as they fell 3-2 in overtime to the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks deserve credit for a strong game despite missing star Macklin Celebrini. However, it was another frustrating loss for the Blues, who have now lost three straight.

Let’s jump into the game’s takeaways. Are there any positives to take from this loss?

Takeaway #1: Penalty Kill Stands Out

The Blues’ penalty kill has been strong through the first four games of the season. They haven’t allowed a goal yet. They killed four Shark power plays on Thursday.

However, the penalty kill did more than just kill penalties. They managed to create shorthanded opportunities. In the second period, the penalty kill created two scoring chances, arguably being more effective than the Sharks’ power-play unit. This kill was especially effective because it came shortly after the Sharks tied the game. The successful kill and the chances it created gave the Blues a second wind, helping them play a decent second period, something that hasn’t happened much early in this season.

The penalty kill finally broke through in the third. Dillon Dube scored his first goal in the Blue Note, giving the team the lead on a big shorthanded goal. While the team fell short, the penalty kill’s performance cannot be overlooked.

Takeaway #2: McTavish Maintains Strong Play

Mason McTavish continues to show the Blues were right to give up two first-round picks to acquire him. The center had another strong game on Thursday. He led the team with five shots and set up Connor McMichael for the game’s first goal early in the first period.

The Swiss native now has three points in four games. The McTavish-McMichael-Berggren line has been the best so far, with McTavish leading the way. Furthermore, he continues to perform well on faceoffs. He won just over 55% of faceoffs on Thursday. In four games, he has posted a faceoff percentage (FO%) of 55% or above three times.

Takeaway #3: First Line Creates Chances

Robert Thomas, Jimmy Snuggerud, and Dylan Holloway have accounted for only one combined goal so far, and it was an empty-net goal. The first line, which entered the season with high expectations, hasn’t been able to put the puck in the net.

However, the line had its best game of the season on Thursday. The trio combined for five shots and skated well. They also nearly scored three goals. Holloway had a deflected shot hit the goalpost in the third period. Thomas hit the crossbar on an odd-man rush in the third period, which was followed by Snuggerud whiffing on a rebound attempt. Thomas came close again later on a net-front scramble with just over a minute left in the game.

The second this line breaks through for a goal, the floodgates may open. This line was flying Thursday and reminded everyone of what they are capable of.

When a team is on a losing streak, there is a saying that the last game of the streak is when the team plays one of their best games. Could the same be true for a goalless drought? Could Thomas, Snuggerud, and/or Holloway light the lamp once or twice (if not more) on Saturday?

Stick Taps

I am giving a stick tap to Colton Parayko. The veteran defenseman played in his 804th game, moving him past Barret Jackman for the second-most games played in franchise history and giving him the most games played by a defenseman.

He is in his 11th year in the league, all with the Blues. He won a Silver Medal at the Olympics last season, helped Team Canada win the 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025, and was a key member of the Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup championship. It is no wonder why he is such a fan favorite.

Next Game

The Blues remain at Enterprise Center for their next game on Saturday. They will host the Columbus Blue Jackets for what will be their first season matchup against an Eastern Conference opponent.

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